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Many of Coyotes Questions to Be Answered in April

By Guillermo Salcido

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With the calendar leaving the month of March to turn to April, so will the Coyotes leave the 2014-2015 season and look forward to the future. Just who will be part of next season’s cast is still to be determined. However, with only 5 games remaining, some skaters may play their way onto the 2015-2016 roster.

As stated earlier, the Coyotes have been in a rough patch but have seen admirable play from young players and veterans alike. There are no shortage of players on the early side of age 25, but there also no shortage of upcoming free agents.

Mar 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Tobias Rieder (8) celebrates with defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (34) after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After a successful and efficient month, expect Tobias Rieder  to continue his scoring his ways and prove to Arizona management that he is worthy of keeping a Top 6 role in the future. The 22-year old rookie has 13 goals this season with 5 of them coming in March.

Some of the forwards on the current Top 6 are upcoming free agents and will certainly be auditioning for employment in the 2015-2016 season, whether it’s with the Coyotes or somewhere else. One of them, Martin Erat, has produced a 30 point season, but has hit a slump that saw him gain only 1 assist in March.

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Two offer upcoming free agents are Mark Arcobello and David Moss. Arcobello has exceeded even the highest expectations when he was claimed off of waivers by Arizona. Arcobello has 7 goals and 6 assists in 22 games as a Coyote. The 33-year old Moss has caught fire as of late, scoring 3 goals in March. Both Arcobello and Moss will continue to take advantage of Top 6 minutes.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has put a season together that places him in the upper echelon of the elite NHL D-men. His 21 goals lead the Coyotes and all NHL D-men. Ekman-Larsson also leads the team with 40 points and over 25 minutes of time on ice each night.

Mar 16, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman John Moore (17) handles the puck against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Two pleasant surprises on the blue line have been John Moore and Klas Dahlbeck, the compensation in Arizona’s trade deadline deals. The 24-year old, upcoming free agent, Moore has taken advantage of extra playing time in the dessert with 4 points and 19:30 minutes of ice time in 14 games. Dahlbeck has also played 14 games, gotten 3 assists, and 19:47 of ice time.

The oldest D-man for the Coyotes is Andrew Campbell at 27 years old. The rest of the core is either 24 years old or younger. Only Moore and Brandon Gormley are upcoming free agents, both being restricted. Expect the young blue liners for Arizona to improve and stay united for a prolonged time in Glendale.

Mike Smith has really improved upon his play as of late with a 2.42 goals against average and .934 save percentage in March. With only five games remaining, it wouldn’t hurt seeing what the 23-year old Louis Domingue has to offer.

Mar 9, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Louis Domingue (35) looks on against the Nashville Predators at Gila River Arena. The Predators won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The schedule in April will feature 5 Pacific Division match ups. A home-away with San Jose on Friday and Saturday. Following that the Coyotes will head north to take on Calgary and Vancouver. Finally, Arizona will play its final game of the season in Glendale against the Anaheim Ducks.

With the AHL affiliate, Portland Pirates, currently in the midst of a playoff push, it’s unlikely that we’ll see some of them with the NHL team in these last few games. Players include Lucas Lessio, Brendan Shinnimin, the Samuelssons, and Mike McKenna.

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With various of the Coyotes uber-prospects in the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL playoffs, it’s unlikely they make their debuts as well. Players include former 1st Round picks Max Domi and Brendan Perlini as well as the highly touted Anthony Duclair and Christian Dvorak.

With the Coyotes season winding down, their work has only just begun. Constructing a successful roster is always difficult and Arizona has plenty of players on the table to look over. Whether it’s their youngsters playing in the minor and prospect league playoffs or their veterans sticking out the tough season, there will not be room for everyone the 2015-2016 roster.

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